Oct 2023 - Tears and Celebration
On October 29 my family and I will recognize one year since Steve was called Home to Glory, to Heaven with the God he loved and served so well. Our loss has been great, but for him, it has been a great celebration. Many tears continue, but sweet memories and the assurance of a beautiful future sustain us.
It has been a year filled with much loss and celebration as at least 10 friends, co-laborers for the Kingdom, have also graduated to Heaven. I have been blessed to encourage and be encouraged by those who have said good-bye (for now) to their loved ones: Comfort, peace and good-bye grace. We grieve, but not without hope, for Jesus assured us He has prepared a place for them, as He has for us. (John 14: 3)
Learning from Steve
I’ve always been in awe of Steve’s wisdom, scriptural insights, and communication abilities. He was able to take it from the top shelf and put it on the lower shelves for the rest of us.
And I think his teaching will apply powerfully for people who love a prodigal. So for the month of October, on my “When You Love a Prodigal” podcast, I have a series featuring some of Steve’s most helpful teaching that will bless my listeners, and hopefully you as well. The first one aired October 3: How to Love.
A Book Birthday
Speaking of When You Love a Prodigal, my book that birthed my podcast turned 4 last month. It continues to provide help and hope for many struggling with challenges from their loved ones.
It has 86% 5-star ratings. Here are a few reviews:
This book helped increase my love for The Lord, my prodigal and myself through the truth of Scripture shared in very engaging 5 minute sections.
How I wish I had this resource when my children were adolescents. There is so much wisdom in these 90 devotionals….
For the long night hours and the days waiting by the door, this book brings a solace to the soul.
“Jesus Is a Huge Hit in the Himalayas”
Come with me to the Himalayas (via film). You will love this story.
All across the globe, the Jesus Film Project is partnering with local churches and mission organizations to reach the unreached peoples of our world and, by God’s grace, it is yielding a spiritual harvest of incredible results. But the work is far from done.
To date, more than 200 million men, women, and children have indicated decisions to know Christ after viewing the JESUS film, and new churches are being planted daily.
And yet, much of the world remains in spiritual darkness. An estimated 2 billion people have yet to hear the gospel even once….
A Prayer Request
Next month I will be meeting with Cru Resources to talk about two projects I am excited about:
The Pioneer Women of Cru
I have a team of several women on our Women’s Resources team who are interviewing and researching about the early women in Campus Crusade for Christ/Cru—to tell their stories of helping to launch and grow this ministry.
Content from Steve
I have boxes and files filled with messages and Bible studies Steve gave. I also have 20 years of letters he wrote to our staff as president. I believe God would like to see some of these wonderful teachings in forms to touch and bless many more people.
For both of these I am asking our ministry resource team to help me know the best way to bring these projects to life. Prayer appreciated.
It’s Harvest Time—a Recipe
Corn, I have learned, is truly a Fall Food. Not in Florida so much, but most places. I have a simple and wonderful recipe from my mother for Corn Pudding–it is for dinner, not for dessert. I will give you her recipe, but you can easily adapt ingredients for your health choices. I usually double to feed more people.
May the Goodness of God surround and strengthen you,
Judy
PS: Listen to CeCe Winans sing of the Goodness of God.